Renowned Ukrainian Writer Receives Austrian State Literature Prize
Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan has won this year's Austrian State Prize for European Literature, awarded by the country's Ministry of Culture.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport.
"Serhiy Zhadan is one of the most distinctive writers in contemporary European literature, who has become the literary voice of Ukrainians. His prose poems, free verse, song lyrics, diary entries, short stories and novels unfold against the backdrop of Ukraine's contemporary history and allow readers to look deep into the souls of its inhabitants," commented the head of the ministry, Austrian Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, on the jury's decision.
According to him, Zhadan ‘gives literary language to the horrors of war and invisible, all-encompassing fear.’
"He gives the people of Ukraine back their voice and their individuality, which they risk losing in the face of Russia's war of aggression. His work expresses what everyday language cannot put into words. It has the literary power necessary to bear witness and give hope in times of war and terror," Babler added.
The official award ceremony will take place on 25 July with the participation of Federal Minister of Art and Culture, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler, as part of a festive event during the Salzburg Festival.
The Austrian State Prize for European Literature has been awarded since 1965 for the overall literary work of European writers who have gained special international recognition, which must be confirmed by translations. The works must also be available in German translation. The prize is worth €25,000.
Serhiy Zhadan joined the Ukrainian army in March 2024 and is involved in communications work there.